The Contest Hall buzzed with suspense as the large screen above the stage flashed and calculated scores spiraled in stylized numbers. Mira and Reina stood side by side on the battlefield, both facing the towering display, the cheers of the crowd pulsing around them like waves. Mira could feel the energy vibrating through the floor, as if the whole hall held its breath.
"And now, the results of Match One!" the host boomed, his voice electrifying the stadium. The screen lit up with shimmering digits, pausing dramatically:
Mira Rosemary: 87 points
Reina: 83 points
Cheers exploded from the audience in a wave of thunderous applause, clapping, and whistles.
Mira blinked at the screen, stunned for a heartbeat, then let out a breathy laugh of surprise, her hands coming up briefly to her face in disbelief before dropping again. Her smile grew brighter by the second.
Reina turned to her with a small, smile. Though her expression was calm, there was a genuine light in her eyes. "You earned it," she said, voice steady and sincere.
"Thanks. That was really close." Mira smiled warmly, giving a grateful nod, her heart still racing. She glanced briefly toward the crowd, then back at the scoreboard as the numbers lingered, basking in the moment.
The two stood together for a few seconds longer, soaking in the applause and bright stage lights, both victorious in their own way.
The host's voice returned. "Give it up one more time for both Mira and Reina—what a match! And now, while our finalists prepare, let's shift to our second battle of the Junior Bracket Battle Stage: Ezra versus Niko!"
As Mira and Reina made their way backstage, they passed Ezra and Niko walking toward the arena. Mira offered a quiet, "Good luck," and Ezra replied with a subtle nod, while Niko grinned brightly and gave a thumbs up.
Back in the now nearly empty waiting room, Mira and Reina took seats side by side in front of the viewing screen. The buzz of the audience could still be faintly heard through the walls as the screen switched to the battlefield, ready to broadcast the next match. They watched closely, the glow of the screen reflecting in their eyes as the second battle began.
On the viewing screen in the waiting room, the battle feed flickered to life. Mira leaned forward in her seat, elbows resting on her knees, eyes locked on the screen. Reina sat upright beside her, arms folded across her chest, her expression thoughtful and her eyes sharp with interest.
Ezra strode onto the field with calm confidence, his long dark coat catching the lights in elegant sways. As the camera zoomed in, he reached down to briefly tap the two Poké Balls at his side—one containing his Kirlia, the other holding his Sneasel. Neither had been released yet, but the self-assurance in his movements made it clear: he had rehearsed this moment countless times.
"He's good," Reina muttered, under her breath, her voice laced with reluctant respect.
Niko entered next, bouncing with excitement, his bright green scarf fluttering like a flag behind him. The younger Coordinator waved enthusiastically to the crowd, his enthusiasm contagious even through the screen.
"He looks nervous, but eager," Mira said softly, watching with a small smile. "I like his spirit."
The large display above the field lit up: 5:00
"Coordinators, ready? Begin!"
Mira and Reina leaned in slightly as the battle commenced. Munna wasted no time, releasing a brilliant Psybeam that scattered the field in a rainbow of vibrant color. Mira's eyes widened slightly in appreciation.
Ezra wasted no time countering. "Double Team!" he called, and Kirlia immediately split into illusionary forms, dodging the beam with ethereal grace.
After a few moments of dazzling maneuvering, Ezra called out his one permitted switch, recalling Kirlia and sending in Sneasel. The dark-type Pokémon emerged—fast and sharp, darting between lights and shadows. It launched a Feint Attack followed by a cascading Ice Shard, the timing so precise it looked choreographed. From this point on, Kirlia would be unable to return to the field unless Sneasel fainted, making Ezra's choice a critical turning point. The Ice Shard sparkled as it exploded around Munna, while the lingering remnants of Kirlia's earlier Dazzling Gleam faded into the background like a curtain dropping between acts.
"Wow," Mira murmured, her gaze sharpening. "Their coordination is... almost too clean."
"Like they've done this exact routine before," Reina replied.
Deerling leapt into the fray as Niko's one permitted switch, attempting to turn the tide with Leafage and Confusion. The vibrant leaves danced across the battlefield, trying to disrupt Ezra's rhythm, but the younger Coordinator struggled to keep pace with Ezra's tight control.
Mira's mind began running simulations. How would Petilil's Sleep Powder work if used while Sneasel dashed in for a strike? Could she time Scout's Leer and Bite to interrupt Kirlia's setup? She thought of using terrain to create disruptions—maybe Petal Blizzard for cover or to throw off Ezra's timing. The knowledge that only one switch would be permitted in her own match added a sharp edge to her thoughts. Timing would be everything.
"She's quicker, but Sneasel hits hard," Mira muttered. "Scout would need to avoid locking in place—stay moving. And I need to make my switch count."
Reina cast her a sideways glance. "You're already planning your counters."
"Of course," Mira replied. "I don't want to be surprised."
The match continued, but the flow never shifted. As time wore down, Ezra maintained control, executing moves with impressive synergy and making the most of his limited switch.
When the final timer hit 0:00, both Munna and Kirlia remained—but it was clear who had dominated.
Ezra: 91 points
Niko: 78 points
Thunderous applause surged from the stadium and echoed faintly through the walls into the waiting room.
Mira sat back in her chair, her hands finally relaxing in her lap. She let out a slow breath, not quite nervous—but the weight of what was coming sat just behind her ribs.
"So it's him," she said, voice quiet but firm.
Reina nodded. "You've got this."
Mira wiped her palms on her skirt as her name flashed again, her heart skipping a beat. The reality of the moment settled in—she had made it to the final match of her very first Team Appeal competition. She glanced at Reina, who offered her a small, encouraging smile before rising to leave the room.
"Congratulations to our two finalists: Mira Rosemary and Ezra! Please return to the stage!"
The announcement echoed through the hall, and Mira felt Scout's Poké Ball tremble faintly at her waist, as if he too could feel the weight of what was coming. Petilil's ball was still and calm, but Mira imagined the little Grass-type focused and ready.
She stood up slowly and took a steadying breath before making her way toward the doors leading back into the stadium.
The audience's energy pressed through the walls like a heartbeat. As she stepped into the light once more, she caught sight of Ezra across the stage, already in place with his arms crossed behind his back and an unreadable expression on his face.
Their eyes locked. Two Coordinators, one final performance.
The lights shifted and focused as the host's voice soared through the Contest Hall, building tension. "And here they are, folks! Two rising stars of the Junior Bracket—one known for winning the Nacrene Botanical Competition with her presentation on 'Connecting Pokémon and Nature'; the other, a former runner-up who has stunned us again with his icy precision and synchronized coordination!"
Mira swallowed, her cheeks warming slightly at the mention of her berry cultivation studies. Across the stage, Ezra gave the faintest smirk at the crowd's roar, clearly used to the spotlight.
The referee stepped forward between them, lifting one hand for silence. "This is the final round of the Junior Bracket Team Appeal," he announced. "Each Coordinator may use two Pokémon. Only one switch is allowed. If a Pokémon is knocked out, the second will enter automatically."
He turned to Mira and Ezra. "Are you both ready?"
Mira gave a determined nod, her hand resting lightly on her belt. "Ready." Ezra's chin dipped in a silent, confident confirmation.
The referee stepped back and raised his arm. "Then begin!"
Two Poké Balls flew into the air at once, one from each side of the field. They spun in unison under the spotlights, catching glints of red and silver. The whole Contest Hall held its breath, the moment stretching like the final note of a song that hadn't yet resolved. The lights caught on the surfaces of the Poké Balls as they reached their apex, the gleam drawing the eye of every spectator.
Somewhere in the stands, a child whispered a guess, only to be hushed by a parent eager not to miss the reveal.
Below the arc of the Poké Balls, Mira stood still, her fists gently clenched at her sides, fingers brushing against her skirt's fabric. She didn't need to speak to know Scout and Petilil felt her emotions, her aura would say it for her.
Ezra, across the field, remained stoic, gaze focused upward, hands calmly behind his back. His presence didn't radiate nerves, it exuded calculation.
A single, blinding pulse of white light burst from both Poké Balls—